American Coronavirus: Mask warrants are back on the table as Covid-19 rises nationwide

Thirty states have yet to fully immunize at least half of their residents, with Alabama and Mississippi less than 35 percent fully immunized, according to the CDC.

With numbers lagging behind, officials say more countermeasures against Covid-19 are likely needed.

The CDC’s mask-wearing guidelines have not changed, but CDC director Rochelle Walensky said on Thursday that localities may want to make their own appeal.

“Communities and individuals need to make the decisions that are right for them based on what is happening in their area,” she said. “So if you are an area that has a high case rate and low vaccination rates where Delta cases are on the increase, you should definitely wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.”

Mask warrants face opposition

Amid the growing number of infections, some state and local leaders are now recommending that masks be worn indoors even by those who are vaccinated.

Health officials in Seattle and King County in Washington on Friday noted that the prevalence of the Delta variant in the United States was 1.4% on May 13 when the CDC lifted mask requirements for them. vaccinated people. Currently, Delta accounts for 56% of known infections in King County and that number is expected to increase.

“I know this is frustrating and perhaps disappointing for many, it sure is for me,” said Dr Jeffrey Duchin, head of health for the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health on Friday.

“And I recognized that the change in communication,” he said, “has been a real problem nationwide, but we in public health have an obligation to be realistic about it. ‘developments and provide the best possible guidance “.

Missouri has one of the highest per capita average daily new case rates, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

“The new rule will require anyone aged five and over, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask. Wearing masks outdoors, especially in groups, will be strongly encouraged,” according to a statement from the city ​​Hall. Exceptions are included for those who sit and eat in bars and restaurants.

“We have lost over 500 residents of Saint-Louis to Covid-19, and if our region does not work together to protect each other, we could see peaks overwhelm our hospital and public health systems,” said Dr Fredrick Echols, interim health director for the city of St. Louis.

However, Missouri State Attorney General Eric Schmitt said on Friday he would go to court to end the requirement.

Other officials also oppose the mandates proposed inside. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey urged residents of his state to get vaccinated, thanking “the miracle of modern science,” but reiterated he would not allow vaccine or mask warrants.

In Texas, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said that if he could “order all children and teachers to disguise themselves without ending up in court,” he “would do it in the blink of an eye.” because Austin Public Health reported the average daily number of hospitalizations for Covid-19. more than tripled since July 4.

Security restrictions are instituted for the new school year

With the new school year approaching – and access to vaccines only available to people over 12 – some districts are bracing for a return to classes with mask mandates.

Washington DC Public Schools, Boston Public Schools and the Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin are among those that recently announced the requirement for masks worn by students and staff inside school buildings.

Yet other localities, such as Texas and Iowa, have prevented authorities from exercising local control by demanding masks.

“California school guidelines will be clarified regarding the application of masking, recognizing the experience of local schools in ensuring the safety of students and educators while ensuring that schools fully reopen for in-person instruction,” it reads. the update, which was posted via a tweet from the California Department of Public Health.